Magic is happening all across the Southeast right now with incredible blooms of the early season magnolias. If you have never seen them then you might be thinking I am talking about some early variety of the Southern magnolia of which movies are made, and books are written.

There will be surprises. And hidden costs. And more paperwork than you ever thought one person could file in a lifetime. Oh, and it might take you a while to settle into this giant commitment you just spent your pretty pennies on.

We're detecting a pattern here. More than one, actually – from the purely conceptual to the sumptuously touchable – but one at the core of it all: Michelle Dirkse is a true-blue, dyed-in-the-wool artists' ally. And quite the artist herself.

Still haven't installed your first smart home product? You could soon be the last home on the block. Nearly 30 million smart home products will be sold in 2019, according to the Consumer Technology Association. That's a 23 percent increase from last year, signaling a real tipping point for the industry.

Q: Dear Ed: I'm a regular reader of your column and enjoy the topic of new plumbing technology. I'll be shopping for a new kitchen faucet soon and want a pullout spray type. Since I want cool features, what new spray head options are available?

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices for the home, and no wonder. It offers strength, durability and great looks. Plus, it tends to have a high return on investment when you start calculating resale value. But hardwood is also an expensive flooring choice, so you want to take the best possible care of it. Plus, it tends to be more vulnerable to the wrong cleaning choices than other kinds of flooring. Take these steps to ensure a long life and a beautiful finish:

Black and white are two of the most popular but often overlooked colors. In many instances, people don't consider them colors and simply ignore them. When paired together, black and white can be one of the most elegant and neutral color palettes in a designer's toolbox. Whether your taste is modern or traditional, a black-and-white palette is versatile and timeless. Here are some tips to help get you started.

It is highly likely that as camellia shows occur throughout the country, the Frank Houser and Variegated Frank Houser will be the ones getting the wows. I would be so bold as to say look for some of them around the winner's table.

After the Polar Vortex visit, it left many of us thinking about life in the tropics or at the bare minimum longing for summer, gardening, and splashing in the pool. In reality, it will not be long until the backyard becomes our corner of paradise, our secret garden if we add a few tropical plants.

Hosting your wedding at home – whether it's your own home or that of a family member or friend – is an appealing option. Not only does it cut down on costs, but it also allows for a truly personalized event and an intimate gathering for guests. Of course, this kind of wedding requires some significant prep work on the home front. And the more consideration you give to things like home repairs and extra bathrooms, the less stressful your planning will be. Here are some ways to prepare your house for such a celebration.

Q: Hi Ed: We're planning our first home with a private master bathroom. We will mostly use the shower stall, but also want a separate bath. Can you suggest a tub that is perfect for the few times we'll be able to relax in the bathroom?

With the recent polar vortex sweeping through much of the nation, spring might not be on your mind, but it's not far off. And spring presents a serious challenge to your basement. Before the rainy season starts, give your basement a checkup and prepare for the season to come. February is an excellent time to plan ahead for future basement waterproofing and schedule work before problems develop.

A popular and underused term in interior design is redesign. Instead of purchasing new items, repurpose and reimagine spaces using items that can be found right down the hall. Redesign essentially involves shopping your house. So where do you begin? Here are some tips to help get you started.